By Tom Hintgen

Otter Tail County Correspondent

County commissioners, on Dec. 2, finalized a contract for Congressional lobbying with St. Paul-based Larkin Hoffman Public Affairs. The term of the contract, noted County Deputy Administrator Nick Leonard, is for three years, from December 2025 through November 2028.

“We in county government will work with Larkin Hoffman to identify and prioritize projects such as transportation, infrastructure, housing and community development,” Leonard said. “By Dec. 16 Otter Tail County will have a list of projects shovel ready for 2026.”

This lobbying agreement is necessary, said Leonard, due to a gap in federal funding assistance needed to complete the list of projects in Otter Tail County. 

Megan Knight of Larkin Hoffman Public Affairs will serve as the primary point of contact in providing the federal lobbying services for Otter Tail County. “After my consultation with Otter Tail County I may also utilize other employees of Larkin Hoffman to assist with the various federal lobbying efforts,” she said.

This county effort at the federal level, while meeting with Congressional members from Minnesota (U.S. House and U.S. Senate in Washington, D.C.) and their staff members, will include aligning priorities of Otter Tail County and discussing project funding justification.

“We will emphasize to our Congressional delegation, in coordination with Larkin Hoffman, the need to keep county priorities at the forefront,” Leonard said. “Community support throughout Otter Tail County will also be necessary when working with our Congressional delegation and staff members.” 

Knight of Larkin Hoffman Public Affairs said she looks forward to assisting county departments with early project development and competitive positioning.